Idaho Transportation Department

U.S. 95, Garwood to Sagle, Chilco Area

Project Facts:

Project Number: A009(780)
Key Number: 09780
Milepost: 441.2 to 445.2

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has developed plans for the reconstruction of U.S. 95 at the southern end of the Garwood to Sagle Corridor, from Ohio Match Road to Rickel Ranch Road. The aging roadway will be redesigned as a four-lane divided highway to improve capacity and safety.

Description:

The new four-lane highway will be designed with limited access, which will allow traffic to enter and exit the highway only at interchanges. Frontage roads are planned on both sides of U.S. 95 to provide access to adjacent properties. The GARVEE-funded project includes design of the new four-lane highway and right-of-way purchases in the Chilco area.

Background:

U.S. 95 is the key north-south link for northern Idaho commerce, transportation and tourism. Rapid growth in Bonner and Kootenai counties have caused traffic volumes to approach the capacity of the highway. The corridor between Garwood and Sagle needs to be widened and realigned in order to safely accommodate projected traffic.

The process of designing the new highway began in 2002 when ITD initiated a comprehensive study of U.S. 95 between Garwood and Sagle. The study determined what type of long-term improvements would be needed to increase safety and capacity to meet future travel demands. This process involved extensive interaction with the public, local officials, and agencies.

Schedule and Funding:

The 2006 Idaho Legislature authorized GARVEE funding to complete preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the corridor, and to begin right-of-way acquisition for the project. The 2007 Idaho Legislature authorized additional GARVEE funding to complete acquisition of needed right-of-way in the Chilco area. Remaining funding for construction was authorized by the 2011 Idaho Legislature.

The Record of Decision for this project was issued on July 2, 2010.

Construction of the Chilco segment began in July 2011 and substantial completion is anticipated in August 2013.

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.